Queshem starts at the bar she'd gone to yesterday. Despite the awkward nature of the way her time there had ended Queshem is easily able to put the halflings there at ease with Isia not there anymore with jokes, another round of drinks, and tales about Magner the Mighty Druid of the Seas.
Asking about the jungle area of Bag Island surrounding the port gets her talking to an incredibly jolly and talkative halfling couple who claims their family has many members afflicted with wanderlust, some of whom satisfy it by going inland rather than asea. They insist on dragging Queshem to each and every one of their homes, all of whom in turn demand to show Queshem their hospitality and make her repeat her stories of Magner and of freeing the slaves. None of these seem hardy or skilled enough to make a deep trek into the dangers of the jungle though, as they seem to be content with exploring the many interesting caves and hilly features in the safer areas of the island.
Feeling quite stuffed and sleepy from all the food Queshem starts to beg off the couple to return to the ship empty handed but they press her to visit one last family member...
Indeed most of the people Queshem meets are up to the standards she needs The round happy halfings she meets are friendly folk but not the type to lead her into an unknown and dangerous jungle. This one one though....
Queshem, following directions, finds a sturdy brick house on the edge of town. She knocks on the door but no one answers. The inquisitor gets ready to leave, finally giving up on the adventure, but then a voice from a nearby edge stops her.
'Hullo, there. A visitor?" An old halfling walks out onto the road, stout walking stick in hand. A short white beard clings to his chin, merging with a matching mustache and hair. Above all the white, two gleaming blue eye shine. His clothes are dirty but well-kept, and shown signs of wear.
"I am Jilcup. May I ask who you are, stranger?" he says nodding to Queshem.
Queshem Queshem nods back Of the Second Wind and Deadly Bolt just arrived in port. Pleased to make yer acquaintance Jilcup
She scratches her head and stretches trying to work out the kinks from sitting too long on chairs just a little to small for her Was told there'd be a halfing here who knows their way into the deeper parts of Bag Island but they don't seem to be in she sighs Been laughed at by everyone I tell this to but the elf Ysilde's roped me and a few friends o mine into hunting for 'er sky metals in the deep jungles
The halfling nods, "I know Ysilde. She is smart even if she is totally mad." He laughs a bit, leaning on his stick, 'So, you are looking to have someone help guide you up into the jungles?"
He muses a bit saying, 'I have never been up that way directly, I've mostly explored farther south, through the swamps. All kinds of nasty stuff in there, giant bugs, manticores, I even think I saw a dragon once, flying overhead."
Slowly the halfling draws a battered old flask and takes a swig. he smacks his lips, sighs, and puts it back. 'So what do you plan to do with the money, assuming we find it?"
If she's right. What we'll be finding be star metals, they won't turn into money till we find buyers, Abadar be praised Queshem notes. And fer me I plan to use the money to pay me crew and keep us afloat. The Shackles be an expensive place to sail if ye're not a pirate getting' rich off of unlawful booty I be finding.
'Abadar?" Jilcup says, obviously surprised, 'What kind of pirate worships the Gold-Fisted?'
The old halfling sits down with a grateful sigh, "I'm an old man Captain Queshem. What use would an old, formerly slave halfling who enjoys tromping through jungles be worth to you?'
Just said I wasn't a pirate Queshem grins. Well as for use, ye've already been a great help by letting me know of the bugs, the manticores, and the Queshem hesitates dragons
Scales be balanced. I have no desire to be meeting the kraken of the land anytime soon she thinks to herself.
Then to continue As fer worth. Aren't ye interested in finding out if what Ysilde's been yammering on about is actually real? Ye seem like the curious sort and that's got to be worth something to ya. She holds up a hand Now I know no one else has succeeded at this, but in my defense I got an elf of me own, Draflo. Half elf anyway. Definitely speaks the same lingo as Ysilde. If anyone can figger out where Ysilde wants to go it'd be her. We not be skilled at 'tromping through jungles' though.
The halfling smiles, 'I meant more what I'd be worth to you. For myself, just walking the jungles is enough. Other then that excitement, I don't do much of note anymore."
He fixes Queshem with a long look then says, "When do we leave?"
Well that depends on what ye think we need to prepare. We got two fighters, a scholar, meself, and you. I'm a fair shot with Abadar's favored crossbow, a wand for healing, and uh.. that be it? Ye got any thing that bugs and manticores don't like to keep 'em off of us and such like? Dragon repellant too if ye got it.
She gives a huff of frustration I be leadin' the mission and Draflo be telling us where to go but make no mistake Master Jilcup, ye'll be in charge in there. Last time I got close to a jungle I lost a sailor to bloody voodoo.
The halflfing grins and stands up, 'No dragons where we are going. That was far tot he south, in the swamps. We are heading north, into the Lakes. All jungle, but filled with big massive lakes. I've never been up that way myself. First time for everything."
At the mention of voodoo he says, 'No such thing on Bag Islands, Jolis at least does that."
'Shall we go?"
Queshem nods. I'll take ye to my ships, introduce you around, and we'll go from there. Do ye think 10 days rations each be enough or should we take more?
Should be good enough, we can also live off the land." Jilcup says, obviously getting excited to set off into the wilds. He asks questions about Queshem, her crew, her mission in the Shackles (however much you reveal).
As they walk back however they are overtaken by two ponies (a sign of luxury and wealth on the island).
On one is a familiar shape, it is Jagen Greenbarrow, the halfing she met with at Raffle's manor home. Alongside of him is another halfling dressed in clean but ran resistant leathers.
'Greetings, Captain Queshem!" Jagen says with a smile, "I hear you have spent the day recruiting!" Then he spots Jilcup and his smile freezes in place. For his own part Jilcup stays silent, face a mask.
Aye, went well too I think. Just agreed to take along Jilcup here. Not surprised ye found me. The hospitality of yer folk be worthy of song. She looks up at the sun to judge the time A sixth of the day I think since I started.
Jagen tears his eyes from Jilcup and turns back to Queshem, "Then you are in luck. I have a guide for you, much better then a broken down old man. This is Lowal Greenbarrow, a cousin of mine. He is an experienced tracker and jungle guide. I have contracted him to serve as your guide for this expedition." Jagen smiles, 'Free of charge."
Lowal bows from his pony and doffs his hat, 'At your service ma'am."
Queshem nods at them That be real generous of ye. But I don't feel right breaking a deal I made already. I think I'll be sticking to what I already agreed to. Wish ye'd found me a few hours ago!
Jagen's face falls, "It is generous. My uncle, Isia, would consider it a great honor if you went with the guide we are offering you." Lowal makes no sound but Jilpcup says quietly, 'The Greenbarrows are an important clan here, Captain."
Be it okay for ye both to come with me then? Queshem responds to Jilcup in the same quiet tone.
Jilcup frowns and shakes his head, "I'm not going on any trip with a Grennbarrow." he says this loud enough for other two halflings to hear. They jerk as if stung and Jagen replies, 'As if we'd trust you in any mission of worth, Jilcup."
The two halfings glower at each other.
Alright Alright. Queshem says loudly herself I'll not be the cause of a damned civil war on the isle.
She drops to her knees to get on Jilcup's level and says quietly I need to keep me crew safe in port and if they can mess with that then I'll have to go with their guide. But I don't trust 'em and suspect 'em of doin' something to Raffles. I think I'll need yer help with 'em later... if ye could trail us discreetly in the jungle I would be in yer debt. Ye seem a better woods walker. If ye don't agree then just walk away with no hard feelings I hope.. if ye do then insult me and stomp off.
Jilcup looks pensive but says, 'Follow you to what end?"
The halfling nods toward the two ponies, "What does this have to do with Raffles? I doubt he cares much for a wild larking expedition to the back country. "
Plan to ask Lowal why exactly the Greenbarrows been keeping me from meeting Raffles with the worst excuses I've ever heard when we're headin' back from the jungle but still deep in. Will need another guide if I need to subdue 'im and carry 'im back in a sack to town. Nothing lethal. Ye in or out?
The weathered halfling ponders this then says, 'Anything that'll mess with a Greenbarrow's jib is worth it for m. I'm in. See you later, perhaps."
Raising his voice he nod and says, "Sorry we couldn't do business, Captain. Fair sailing." Without even glancing at the two ponies he jumps the ditch and is soon gone into the brush.
Jagen trots up closer, "Excellent. I didn't want to say it in front of him, but Jilcup is a bit of a fraud, Captain. You are better off without him."
Yar maybe Queshem says standing up Hate to break an agreed to deal though. she sighs as she looks right at Jagen at eye level, a bit of an odd experience while standing.
She nods at Lowal Well, glad to meet ye Lowal, ye got any suggestions for how we can prepare for a three day trek into the jungle and the same amount of time coming back... if all goes as planned?
The halfing guide nods, saying, "Assuming you have the usual provision and gear, we should be all right. The jungle is not that dangerous despite what the stories say. I've been in it half a dozen times, with no worries."
He seems confident anyway and Jagen agrees saying, 'I am sure Captain Queshem will be fine. I leave you now, please, have a safe journey." and he trots off, leaving Queshem alone with Lowal.
Queshem nods at the departed Jilcup Hate to see rancor in a place as worthy of being imitated as Bag Island she says to Lowal as she starts walking back to her ship.
The halfing, still mounted, shrugs, "Family ties and grudges go deep." He nods toward the vanished Jilcup, 'All the old timers, they come from a different time and place. Not all of them have aged well."
They find her ship and crew kitted out and ready to go. On the shore Magner meets her saying, "I leave as you do. Hopefully I will return first."
Behind him Parcell is on the slaver, shouting at some miserable sailor. His curses are quite poetic.
Fare well asea Magner. May Abadar smile on yer venture and fair trade. Queshem nods at the First Mate.
A'right Polos, let the wretched man be to think about whatever he's done. Round Up Draflo and Rabbis. I got ourselves a guide. This here's Lowal. Gather up twelve days ration and water for five. Let's get ready to go within an hour. Lowal ye want to come aboard or are ye fine waiting here?
The halfling waves Queshem off saying, "I've never been one for ships, Captain. I will be ready when you desire to leave."
Poos eyes the still mounted halfling, 'Who is the dandy?"
One onboard she says. Call the other two into my cabin and I'll tell ye all about it.
Right. So I figgered it might be good to have at least one person that knows something about the interior along and I spent half the bleeding day trying to find someone. Just as I do find a guide, the haflings that seem to be running the place force another one on me. Queshem makes a frustrated grunt The one out there is Lowal Greenbarrow. Now he seems a decent enough sort, and he might actually know enough to tell us what to watch out fer while Draflo tells us what direction to go in. Now I've put out some sounding lines to maybe help us get the truth after we've found the star metals alright? Draflo, Rabbis, ye ken Polyglot?
Both of them nod, and Rabbis says in his slow deep voice, "Do you mean a market for the metal?"
We'll worry about the market after we get the metal back aboard. Queshem says switching to Polyglot. But if we can get some more knowing of what happened to Jolis Raffles from Lowal before we get out of the jungle. Then so much the better. The Greenbarrow elders be clannish and protect themselves with influence and wealth, but Lowal won't have those advantages in the trees. Queshem holds up her hand Now I ain't gonna hurt in any way. But this be the only chink I've seen yet in the Greenbarrow wall of silence. Any of ye heard anything from the shore about why Raffles ain't been in public lately?
They all shrug with Polos saying, "We are just common sailors, we didn't expect the Lord Mayor to come down to the pub for a drink."
Draflo adds, "I think you are worrying too much, Captain. Maybe he just isn't a sociable man."
Rabbis stays quiet, obviously not knowing the situation.
Well I hope so. Anyway let's be off.
Queshem makes sure to top up her crossbow bolts back up to an even 100 and that Polos and Rabbis are carrying extra rations. She also gets Rabbis outfitted in the best mundane equipment the ship's marines have to his preference and then they're ready to set out.
Draflo. Make sure ye got stuff for natural hazards and swarms and such like, as well as yer detecting stuff for the metals
Everyone nods agreement and they head off. Lowal leads still astride his pony. The group marches through town and most of the resident nod, wave or cheer them on. Queshem's reputation as a slave-breaker has earned her a few admirers and the well-armed sailors are an imposing sight.
Soon they have left the town behind however, and head up the green slopes. Queshem sees no sign of Jilcup or anyone else following but she supposes that is a good sign. The trail turns from road to path to mere track as they mount the hills and start entering into the edges of the jungle.
The jungle touches some ancient memory in Queshem. While she has lived in Absalom for so long, her roots are in Sargava, complete with its own wet jungles. The dripping, outrageous greenery of Bag island appeals to her in some deep and satisfying ways.
Draflo walks over, looking at the massive imposing trees. Even t ough they are still on the edge of the jungle the half-elf says, 'Very impressive."
Queshem nods to Draflo as she takes a deep breath of the earthy and humid jungle scent. Well, yer the tracker on this one Draflo, whcih way? She looks at Lowal Will the pony be fine in there?
Draflo nods, "So far, just heading north will suffice." She pats a folded paper in her breast pocket. She grins, like a kid let out early by her tutor. 'What an amazing place, all the plants and animals co-existing in a subtle harmony." Slowly the undergrowth grows thicker, with broad ferns and riots of flowers. 'Do the trees get bigger?"
Queshem knows these are mere saplings to what could be lurking within a truely wild jungle.
To her question Lowal shrugs, 'It will be until it isn't. Then we can get it." Then he grins and doffs a hat, "And you can have the first cut, on me."
Rabbis grunts and slashes aside some thick vines, obviously upset at the halfling's remark.
These barely be trees Draflo. Ye could spend a lifetime studyin' just one of the trees we'll see before the week is out I wager
Huh. Queshem says in response to Lowal, glad that Magner isn't around to hear that. We packed quite a lot of extra rations so I don't think that'll be necessary. Think we'd prefer it if we sent it back home right now, yeah?
The halfling looks at her, startled. 'What, and walk when I don't have to?" he raises afoot showing a gleaming, shined boot. 'I just got these shined this morning. Obviously they'll soon be dirty, but there is no need to do it early." Shaking his head like she was a child he adds, 'I'll go scout."
He canters ahead, the horse hooves loud over the dry leaves and twigs along the way.
Polos comes over and says quietly, 'I miss Magner, and that is saying something. Even he would be better in a wood. What kind of guide do we have here?"
Fine, but we won't be eating it Queshem says assuming an air of authority.
It's taken care of somewhat Queshem says quietly herself shaking her head as the halfling disappears I'll need to put me plan in motion a little earlier maybe. Let's give this one at least half a day.
She looks around hoping Jilcup is spying her from somewhere. She throws her hands up in the air theatrically before turning back Well let's get on with it. and delves into the jungle.
Ye remember this kind o' place from the old village Polos?
Polos looks around, a wistful look on his face. 'More like a dream, Queshem. I was so young...it feels right though." he lays a hand on a rugged tree, and pats it. 'Feels right."
They continue into the jungle, the trees getting higher, the air more humid and the plants closer together. The sun is blocked by the canopy, and the ground is brown leaf litter. There is no trail but Lowal,s till mounted, leads them through the trees. Despite his disinclination to walk around, he seems skilled enough. He helps them avoid quicksand, an angry ant mound, and shows Queshem the tracks of what was some kind of giant cat.
'Jaguar, they call it. Let's hope we don't meet him." The halfling says, smiling warmly at Queshem.
As the sun slowly starts to head west, the guide sniffs and says, "We'll need to start making camp early. None of you have much experience with it, so our first night might take awhile."
Queshem nods, Still going to go the same direction Draflo? she asks. Then Let's get ready to camp then.
Draflo nods, 'All is well. Still heading north. Will veer off west a bit tomorrow."
Lowal gets off his horse and starts shouting out orders. The commands are clear and needed but he doesn't bother being polite to anyone but Queshem, who doesn't ask to do anything. Polos looks ready to punch the little man.
Queshem pats Polos to keep him at least somewhat calm, and give Draflo and Rabbis meaningful looks. She pitches in with some of the work unprompted. Always good to keep yerself humble with some honest labour I find she grins at Lowal.
Lowal just looks confused and says, "Honest labor? Aren't you the one in charge? Your job isn't to be pitching tents, you have to command, supervise!" He lowers his voice, "This demeans your position."
Queshem pauses for a moment before getting up from her work, dusting herself off as she does so.
Do it now? she says conversationally, not bothering to lower her tone, or raise it, if somebody is around to overhear then so be it.
I've served on ships fer a long while now where leadership do be critical, seen a lot of different ways to be obeyed she continues Respect fer authority be necessary but if all it's based on is fear and awe, then as soon as the fear and awe go away then there be no authority left.
Queshem squints down at Lowal
You make those you lead do nothing more than fear yer lash then that might work while ye still hold the lash and those ye command don't find spears of their own to fight back with. But if yer able to convince them to commit to yer cause then they'll be with ye even when the tide changes and ye've got no weapon at all to yer name.
The captain nods at the members of her crew Now, whether I've done a good job of this ain't fer me to say. That's for my crew. But I've asked my sailors to bleed fer me, and die fer me. And getting' my hands dirty on occassion ain't done anything at all to demean my position in any way cause I'm damn sure that if I asked 'em to follow me into the mouth of a kraken that those of 'em who aren't cowards would do so.
She scratches her head then But from what I know Jolis Raffles used to do the same didn't he? Lead from the front? Lead raids to free slaves? Has that changed recently?
Lowal seems to ignore most of Queshem's advice, being content to stare at Polos gathering wood for the fire.
When she mentions Raffles though, he turns and sneers. 'Raffles? Oh, maybe he was something when he was young, or so the stories say. But now? He is just an old man who plays with his bees."
He shakes his head and saunters over to Rabbis, giving the huge man a hard time about how he was setting up the tent, but not deigning to help.
The halfling does provide a nice side course of berries and roots to go with dinner however. The extra food doesn't win him many friends however, despite the yummy taste.
Queshem deflates at Lowal's jibe. Where she imagined conspiracy keeping her from meeting Raffles was there actually just the ravages of old age? Ah, well, age catches up with us all she says before shaking herself.
Even if Raffles was content to spend his last years in luxurious dotage, it wasn't right for him to leave Bag Island languishing rudderless under the thumbs of the GreenBarrows. She still had to meet him, somehow, someway before she left port.
Well, let's set up watch then. she says. Maybe in the middle o' the night fer me
The order of the watches is set and Queshem gets the deep blackness around midnight. Lowal, of course, assumes such things are beneath him and doesn't take a watch.
Polos wakes Queshem, face dark in the low light of the fire. 'Nothing to report, Captain. Lots of bats though, creepy."
With relief he takes to his blankets and Queshem is left alone with the night. The jungle feels more active at night then during the day. A thousand frogs sing to her and apparently millions of bugs try to feast on her. Bats swoop over the fire, black shapes against the darker night. She sees glittering eyes in the canopy far above, unknown creatures.
Then without warning a small shape is sitting next to her.
"What do you think of the jungle, Captain Queshem?" Jilcup asks, leaning back on a small log, warming his hands over the fire. His voice is quiet and soft.